The Secret History of the Pink Carnation

From the author's site:

Nothing ever goes right for Eloise. The day she wears her new suede boots, it rains. When the subway stops short, she's the one thrown into some stranger's lap. And she's had her share of misfortune in the way of love. So, after deciding that romantic heroes must be a thing of the past, Eloise is ready for a fresh start.

Setting off for England, Eloise is determined to finish her dissertation on two spies, the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. But what she discovers is something historians have missed: the secret history of the Pink Carnation-the most elusive spy of all time. As she works to unmask this obscure spy, Eloise has more and more questions. Like, how did the Pink Carnation save England from Napoleon? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly escape her bad luck and find a living, breathing hero of her own?

I had read this book previously but couldn't remember too much about the book and I pulled it off the shelf again for a quick read. The book is well written and the characters are well-formed. I recall when I picked up this book that it was recommended by friends and I was told that it was historical fiction. There is very little history in this book and a lot more romance/thoughts of romance. It is definitely Chick-lit but rather enjoyable as you read of how Amy thinks she has successfully gotten information only to find she has been baited. The number of times I've thought I've done smashingly to be dashed in the end, very entertaining. The romance part is rather entertaining too. How hilarious when Richard is jealous of himself and yet can't tell Amy the truth. There are a couple of racy parts and an objectionable word or two if you look to avoid those in books.